Did you know you can buy airtel airtime from MPESA? Airtel is currently the second largest telko in Kenya commanding just under 10 million subscribers. They have different ways of loading airtime including the normal scratch to reveal cards and printed receipts.

But since most Airtel subscribers also have a Safaricom line in their Dual SIM phones, the two rivals reached an agreement to enable Airtel subscribers purchase airtime directly from Safaricom’s mobile money service; MPESA.

In fact via MPESA, you can purchase huge amounts or Airtel airtime that you would not normally be able to in most retail shops. You can also purchase airtime for any Airtel number you wish to without limitations from the comfort of your MPESA balance.

How To Buy Airtel Airtime From MPESA Balance

If you have some money in your MPESA account and the number of the Airtel number you want to buy airtime for, then you’re more than ready.

Simply go to your MPESA menu and access the Paybill option. Then Enter the Airtel paybill number(business number) and the Airtel phone number you’re buying airtime for in the account section.

1. Launch MPESA
2. Go to Paybill Option
3. Enter Business Number: 220220
4. Enter Account Number: XXXX XXXXXX – This is the airtel line you’re buying airtime for
5. Enter the Amount
6. Enter Your MPESA pin and send.

You should receive an MPESA confirmation immediately on your Safaricom number and the airtime conformation in your Airtel line. It’s as simple as that.

The airtel and Safaricom(MPESA) line don’t have to be linked which means you can buy airtel airtime for yourself or for someone else using your MPESA.

Using mySafaricom App To Buy Airtel Airtime From MPESA

This can also be done from the mySafaricom app as long as you still go to the paybill option and enter the details as shown above. The only catch is that you need internet connection to use the mySafaricom app.

Simple launch the mySafaricom app. Then go to MPESA and select the Paybill option. Enter the business number and Account number as shown above.

Then Enter the amount you intend to spend on airtel airtime and press ‘Continue’. You’ll see a summary of the transaction you’re about to make together with the transaction cost. If you’re happy, tap on ‘PAY’. and enter the pin to finish the transaction.

How To Fuliza Airtel Airtime From MPESA

Sometimes you might want to purchase some Airtel airtime but your MPESA balance doesn’t quite match your desires. Luckily for you, Safaricom’s overdraft service Fuliza, can be used to purchase airtime.

This of course is limited to your personal Fuliza limit. So once you know your credit limit with the service, you can go ahead and use the credit facility to purchase airtel airtime following the same procedure described above. The only difference this time is that, you can only buy airtel airtime worth your Fuliza limit.

1. Launch MPESA
2. Go to Paybill Option
3. Enter Business Number: 220220
4. Enter Account Number: XXXX XXXXXX – This is the airtel line you’re buying airtime for
5. Enter the Amount
6. Enter Your MPESA pin and send.
7. If you’re trying to buy airtel airtime exceeding the MPESA balance you have, you’ll be asked if you want to Fuliza. If you’d like to proceed, follow the on screen instructions to purchase via Fuliza.

NB: If you’re using the mySafaricom app, you’ll be asked if you’re intending to Fuliza even before you Enter your MPESA Pin.

Make sure you pay your Fuliza loans in time.

Why Would You Want To Buy Airtel Airtime From Your MPESA Balance?

If you have finds in your MPESA account, the easiest thing to do would be to purchase some Safaricom airtime. But why go through the trouble to purchase airtel airtime through MPESA?

• Airtel has generally more affordable calling rates than Safaricom. So if you want to purchase airtime to make calls, it makes sense to purchase to your Airtel line
• You can’t find Airtel airtime in the shops
• You want to purchase airtime for a friend or a family member who only uses Airtel
• You’re or heading to an area with more Airtel coverage than Safaricom. You need Airtime in your Airtel line to make calls.
• You want to purchase airtel bundles through airtel airtime.
• MPESA agents are more available and accessible then Airtel airtime.